Highlights:
World Leprosy Day (WLD) takes place on the last Sunday of January. In 2022, this day falls on 30th January.
This date was selected by Raoul Follereau, French humanitarian as a tribute to the life of Mahatma Gandhi, who worked with people affected by leprosy and died at the end of January in 1948.- World Leprosy Day is a celebration of the international leprosy community
- The day focuses on uplifting the voices of people affected by leprosy throughout the world
- This year’s theme provides rights to people living with leprosy to have a dignified life
Leprosy / Hansen's Disease - History
Leprosy, caused by Mycobacterium leprae, affects any organ like skin, eyes, mucosa, periphery nerves or any other organ. It can cause irreversible disfigurement of the extremities and nerve damage.
Leprosy, caused by Mycobacterium leprae, affects any organ like skin, eyes, mucosa, periphery nerves or any other organ. It can cause irreversible disfigurement of the extremities and nerve damage.
‘World Leprosy Day 2022 campaign demands unity in honoring the experiences of people living with leprosy.’
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What is Leprosy?
Leprosy is a chronic infection caused by bacillus Mycobacterium leprae. It is also called Hansen’s disease (name after the person who discovered M.leprae in 1873). The disease mainly affects the skin, nerves, upper respiratory tract, and eyes. It is transmitted via droplets, from the nose and mouth, during close and frequent contact with untreated cases.Leprosy is curable and treated in the early stages. If left untreated, it can cause progressive and permanent damage to the skin, nerves, limbs, and eyes.
According to WHO, 129,389 cases of leprosy were on treatment, and the prevalence rate corresponds to 16.7 per million population by the end of 2020.
The COVID 19 pandemic has disrupted program implementation and reduced the new case detection by 37%. Each and every year, there are about 200,000 million people living with the damaging consequences of delayed leprosy treatment.
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Quiz on Leprosy
Leprosy is a disease which has left several individuals disfigured and victims of social alienation. Medications have made a big difference in controlling disfigurement and complications of the disease and preventing social stigma. Test your knowledge on this once-dreaded disease called leprosy.
Leprosy is a disease which has left several individuals disfigured and victims of social alienation. Medications have made a big difference in controlling disfigurement and complications of the disease and preventing social stigma. Test your knowledge on this once-dreaded disease called leprosy.
Importance of World Leprosy Day
WLD was developed to advocate equal treatment to all people affected by leprosy and to educate the public about leprosy by correcting historical misconceptions surrounding the disease. It is also creating an opportunity to raise money to end leprosy transmission.The theme for 2022 is ‘United for Dignity’ to honor the people living with leprosy by sharing their empowering stories and advocating for them to live a dignified life free from disease-related stigma.
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Top Facts on Leprosy
Leprosy is under control through modern medicine but is still endemic in few regions and awareness is the key to eliminate the disease.
Leprosy is under control through modern medicine but is still endemic in few regions and awareness is the key to eliminate the disease.
How it is Celebrated?
The day is marked in both countries with and without leprosy by churches, NGOs, and leprosy champions to raise awareness that leprosy still exists and is still ruining lives.Communities and people affected by leprosy come together and host events that are aimed at reducing leprosy stigma and raising awareness of the disease. In many countries, there is also good engagement from governments, who celebrate the day through ministers and events. Due to COVID-19, many events are organized virtually.
Use hashtags#United4Dignity,#WorldLeprosyDay,#EndStigma,and #ZeroDiscrimination in social media to show your support for the WLD campaign.
The international community advocates for the rights of people who have experienced Hansen’s disease, and you can join in this work to combat the medical and social implications of this neglected tropical disease.
References:
- World Leprosy Day - (https://zeroleprosy.org/world-leprosy-day/)
- World Leprosy Day 2022: United for Dignity - (https://www.who.int/news-room/events/detail/2022/01/30/default-calendar/united-for-dignity-wld-2022)
- World Leprosy Day 2022 - (https://www.leprosy-information.org/leprosy/world-leprosy-day-2022)
Source-Medindia
Leprosy Vaccine: A Step Forward in the Eradication of a Dreaded Disease
Drug Controller of India and FDA approve new leprosy vaccine that was developed by NII, Delhi and being piloted in 5 districts of Bihar & Gujarat.
Drug Controller of India and FDA approve new leprosy vaccine that was developed by NII, Delhi and being piloted in 5 districts of Bihar & Gujarat.
